Planning and Preparing Your Wedding Programs

A
wedding program
is a courtesy provided by the couple to their guests. It provides an outline of
the people playing important roles in the
ceremony,
as well as the order of the rites of marriage that will be observed. Wedding
programs
reflect the theme or style of the wedding and are important tools of
communication. Keeping your guests well-informed helps make the day smooth and
carefree!

Who should be included in the
wedding program?
You should acknowledge each member of the wedding party along with his or her
role, as well as parents and grandparents in attendance. You may acknowledge
other close family members who could not attend as well, and some couples will
include a passage “in
memoriam” of loved ones who have passed away.

The
wedding programs
should include the
Order of Ceremony, with the major elements
that you will observe. List each music transition beginning with the Seating of
the Families, along with the composer of each piece.Instructions for any guest participation, including anything that guests
need to say, sing or do, should also be listed. Remember that not everyone
attending your
ceremony
will understand the traditions that you follow, and giving instructions is an
act of courtesy and kindness.

Wedding
programs
take many forms including traditional bi-fold, multifold or multi-panel, and
even more contemporary ones like fans to keep guests cool as well as in the
know! They can be one or two sided, and it is nice to incorporate different
textures in your
program,
like a sheet of vellum or a heavy backing.

You can customize your
wedding programs
with a personal touch. Try different color ink to match your wedding colors,
adding your custom monogram or wedding motif, or embellishing with pretty ribbon
accents or even wax seals.